Carvalho’s Journey provides a unique look at an artist in the American West

Making its debut last July at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, Carvalho’s Journey has made the rounds at more than a dozen cities across the U.S. Rivo says he has been struck by audiences’ deep interest and enthusiasm for all aspects of Carvalho’s story — especially the depiction of Charleston’s Jewish community during the early 19th century. According to the filmmaker, most viewers are surprised to learn that during that time, the city had the largest Jewish community in America, with more than 600 Jewish residents in 1820. Other audience members connect with the film’s depiction of the early days of photography.